15 Sarah Jessica Parker-Inspired Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses

Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw with SJP's best red-carpet looks.

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Sarah Jessica Parker wearing a black dress while posing on a red carpet

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Sarah Jessica Parker may be known for her role as one of television’s most fashionable New Yorkers, Carrie Bradshaw, but it isn’t just her on-screen character that has earned SJP her stylish reputation. Her red-carpet looks also serve as a source of inspiration for women all over the world, especially when it comes to balancing fashion with practicality. That being said, Parker is an excellent muse to turn to when choosing an outfit as the mother of the bride or groom.

Even when experimenting with different designs and silhouettes, the actress still manages to look as elegant and sophisticated as ever. Also, SJP knows how to pull a look together down to the right accessories and shoes—after all, she is Carrie Bradshaw.

Ahead, we’ve put together five of Parker's best red-carpet fashion moments for all moms to peruse, plus options to get the look yourself.

sarah jessica parker

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While attending the 44th Deauville American Film Festival, Parker didn’t shy away from sparkles. She walked the carpet in a dark navy sequined midi dress with flared sleeves. As for accessories, SJP kept things simple and let the dress take center stage, opting for minimalist dangle earrings and silver open-toe heels. 

Best Capelet

Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Stretch Sequin Capelet Gown

sequin blue dress

Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Size: 0-14 | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Length: Floor

For a black tie or cocktail winter wedding, we're eyeing this Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon sequin gown for bold mothers of the bride or groom. The cape sleeves make for an elegant addition to this subtly glam dress.

Best Beading

Mac Duggal Sequin Long Sleeve Sheath Gown

Sequin Long Sleeve Sheath Gown in navy

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Size: 2-24 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

One detail we love about this SJP look is the contrasted black belt that’s woven into the design. This gown from Mac Duggal offers a similar effect with horizontal bead detailing that accents the bodice.

Best Sleeves

Karen Millen Velvet Sequin Fluted Woven Mini Dress

sequin navy mini dress

Courtesy of Karen Millen

Size: 0-12 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini

Parker’s red carpet dress features fluted sleeves, which is similar to the sleeves on this look from Karen Millen. While this mini may not seem appropriate for a colder-weather wedding, it is made with a velvet material that reads winter. Just be sure to pair the shorter hemline with nude tights to give the illusion of bare legs without sacrificing warmth. 

sarah jessica parker

JB Lacroix / Getty Images

Black may not be a traditional mother-of-the-bride dress color, but Parker proves that the look could work with this elegant lace ball gown. The actress styled this outfit with a pendant necklace and Carrie Bradshaw's iconic staple heels from Manolo Blahnik. 

Best LBD

Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Lace Shirred Waist Sheath Dress

black midi dress

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Size: 2-18 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Knee

A little black sheath dress is a look that will never go out of style. This sophisticated option is made from black lace and features a boat neckline and a shirred waist, making for a flattering silhouette.

Most Size Inclusive

David’s Bridal Scalloped Boudoir Lace Plus Size Cocktail Dress

lace black midi dress

Courtesy of David’s Bridal

Size: 0X- 5X | Materials: Nylon, rayon, spandex | Length: Knee

Mothers of the bride or groom, you cannot go wrong with this lace-scalloped dress from David’s Bridal. If you are hesitant to wear black-on-black on the wedding day, this option also comes in nude with a black lace overlay. 

Best Splurge

Oscar de la Renta Tulip Guipure Lace Midi Dress

long sleeve lace midi dress

Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

Size: XS-L | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi

For those in the market for a splurge-worthy dress, look no further than this Oscar de la Renta lace midi. This timeless ensemble is made with guipure tulip lace for an understated yet luxe look.

sarah jessica parker

Lars Niki / Getty Images

For an event celebrating the New York City Ballet, SJP walked the carpet wearing a sparkly slate grey ball gown from Zuhair Murad. To complete the look, she paired the intricately beaded dress with a maroon-colored sequin purse and T-strap pointed-toe heels from the actress's namesake SJP collection. 

Most Elegant

La Femme Floral Lace & Tulle Gown

Size: 4-20 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

While it doesn’t have the sparkle of SJP’s ball gown, this dress from La Femme is perfect for mothers looking for a more subtle formal look. What we truly love the most is that the gown is embroidered with floral lace and layers of tulle. 

Best Cold-Shoulder

Aidan Mattox Beaded Off-The-Shoulder Gown

Aidan Mattox Beaded Off-The-Shoulder Gown

Saks Fifth Avenue

Size: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

This Aidan Mattox gown features delicate beads and sequin embroidery throughout. The cold-shoulder neckline and popover waist adds a romantic touch to this timeless celebrity-inspired dress.

Best Embellishments

Aidan Mattox Beaded Cape A-Line Gown

Beaded Cape A-Line Gown

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Size: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

For a more statement-making mother-of-the-bride dress, we love this A-line silhouette gown. While the intricate beading is enough to make this stunning dress stand out, the sheer cape and flattering boat neckline pull the look together.

sarah jessica parker

Jim Spellman / Getty Images

While attending the premiere of her film I Don’t Know How She Does It, SJP donned this crochet maxi dress from Antonio Berardi. The style itself is a no-frills, easy-to-wear dress, but leave it to Parker to make it red-carpet-ready. The actress styled the maxi with a black clutch and loose beachy waves.

Most Classic

Oscar de la Renta Cotton Blend Corded Lace Midi Dress

Cotton-blend corded lace midi dress

Courtesy of The Outnet

Size: 2-12 | Materials: Polyester, metallic, silk | Length: Midi

Like Parker’s dress, this uncomplicated and chic midi is a fool-proof option for a cocktail or semi-formal wedding. The partially-lined design adds a tasteful twist to the overall silhouette.

Most Sophisticated

Kay Unger Tatum Floral Lace Midi Dress

Tatum Floral Lace Midi Dress

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Size: 0-18 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi

This minimalist floral lace ensemble can be dressed up or down depending on the dress code. Add a pair of nude or black pointed-toe heels for an effortlessly chic moment.

For a Beach Wedding

DISSH Ophelia Black Crochet Maxi Dress

BLACK CROCHET MAXI DRESS

Courtesy of DISSH

Size: XS-L | Materials: Viscose, nylon | Length: Midi 

For a casual beachside or destination wedding, we love this laidback crochet maxi dress from DISSH. Dress up your look with statement earrings or an eye-catching clutch. 

sarah jessica parker

Ian Gavan / Getty Images

We know SJP loves a red carpet dress, but she looks just as incredible in a jumpsuit, as seen here at the EE British Academy Film Awards. Parker wore a velvet three-quarter-length sleeve jumpsuit and paired it with an oversized clutch, black pointed-toe heels, and a statement necklace

Best Velvet Option

Rixo Beatrix Black Velvet Jumpsuit

black jumpsuit

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Size: XXS-3XL | Materials: Silk viscose-velvet | Length: Floor

For an option that closely resembles SJP’s red carpet look, we are fans of this black jumpsuit from Rixo. Made from velvet, this style features satin ties and a draped boat neckline.  

Best Wrap-Style

Karen Millen Tuxedo Wrap Jumpsuit

black jumpsuit

Courtesy of Karen Millen

Size: 2-12 | Materials: Viscose | Length: Floor

This tuxedo-style jumpsuit is perfect for the mother of the bride or groom looking to take an unconventional approach to her look. Style yours with a statement necklace and a pair of black pumps à la SJP.

Most Formal

Black Halo Coralia Jumpsuit

black jumpsuit

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Size: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor

We can’t help but picture this unique black jumpsuit on a mother of the bride or groom at a black tie or cocktail-attire wedding. The bow detailing and the open back bring a youthful touch to this formal getup.  

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